According to the Parents and Citizens Queensland (a governing body to all P&C Associations throughout Queensland), their organisation has been operating for 60 years in conjunction with some P&C committees from various schools.
However it was not until the 17th March 1965 that there is a formal reference to the Petrie State School forming their own Parents & Citizens Association.
Previous to the formation of the P&C, support was supplied by parents through the “School Committee” which were active from the early days and particularly in the 1950s.
During this era, Petrie was a small two teacher school with Mr Mal Langusch as head teacher and Miss Zillman was the assistant teacher. As the Australian Paper Mill (APM) had now become established in Petrie on the north bank of the Pine River the population of the area dramatically increased as such.
With the many new workers came many new children and the school originally found it difficult to cope. The “mill people” became very concerned with the educational activities at the school as they now formed a large contingent of parents. As stated in the 1974 Centenary Publication, “the mill people wanted better things in education at our school which resulted in a school committee under virtual control of the APM”.
The School Committee consisted of seven members, 5 APM staff and 2 non APM staff, this seemed to benefit the school at the time as with the Mill to support them things got done.
The Committee members were elected for three-year terms however as the School Committee became the P&C the new office bearers had already served many consecutive terms in their roles or been involved a long time.
The first President of the P&C was Mr Gus Gehmann (a Mill worker) who served as Chairman of the School Committee for “many” years as was Mr Peter Wyche, the previous Secretary of the School Committee. Mrs Jean Tyler, the first Treasurer, was on the School Committee for around 12 years.
In the 10 years from the formation of the P&C until 1974 there was a marked decline in the influence of the Australian Paper Mill influence on school activities. This was due to changes in the population demographic and the children of the early long-term staff growing up.
The role of the P&C in 1974 is described thus:
“When considering the help provided by the P&C to the school over the years, I feel a majority of parents do not realise the effort needed to keep everyday things moving. Such things as slashing the grass in the school grounds and other general maintenance done by the P&C are areas where no subsidy is given. Money spent on items such as library books, sporting equipment, television sets, projectors etc. are some of the invisible projects P&C perform.”
– Bob Griffiths, President P&C, 1974.
From the mid-1970s, P&C office bearers are elected annually and all meetings encourage all parents and any citizen to attend.
The P&C also publish a fortnightly communication, ‘The Petrie Rumblings’, read more on the NEWSLETTERS AND WEBSITES page.
1982: PARENT GUIDE EXCERPTS
PARENTS AND CITIZENS’ ASSOCIATION
The School is served by a dedicated, active and progressive Parents and Citizens’ Association whose [sic] Office Bearers are elected at the Annual Meeting held on the third Tuesday of February each year.
Monthly meetings are held at the School on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm.
The Association’s aims are:-
a. To improve educational facilities by the provision of additional materials and equipment not supplied by the Education Department.
b. To assist the Principal and Staff to foster parent-teacher cooperation and greater local interest in Educational matters.
Membership is open to all parents and interested citizens all of whom are eligible to attend monthly meetings.
A school cannot function efficiently without the willing and helpful cooperation of parents. Any help you can give in aiding the P & C will be greatly appreciated.
Source: 1982 Petrie State School Parent Guide, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1982: GENERAL REMARKS – INCLUDING FUNDRAISING BY P&C
Without a doubt, your most valuable possessions are your children and their welfare and progress are also our concern. This school has a very able and enthusiastic staff of teachers who are always working to their utmost capacity for the good of the school and your children.
This school strives to be progressive in outlook and modern teaching techniques are being introduced to ensure standards comparable to any other State School.
A large financial responsibility is thrust upon parents as far as education is concerned and parental interest is indeed desirable and necessary as a backing to the School Administration and the P & C Association. Without parental support, the school will still continue to function but will tend to stagnate into mediocrity. With it, there is no end to what might be achieved for the benefit of school and district.
Previous P & C Associations and interested parents are to be highly commended for their efforts in assisting the school to achieve its present stature and an appeal is hereby made to parents to solidly support the present P & C thereby accepting the challenge of this rapidly expanding complex modern society to allow your children to compete on equal terms with others.
Source: 1982 Petrie State School Parent Guide, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1983: NEW PRINCIPAL ARRIVES WITH GUSTO
January 1983
Peter Boge begins as Principal of Petrie State School. In 1978 Mr Boge opened Undurba State School at Murrumba Downs, before spending four and a half years in St George and then returning to Petrie. By now, Peter Boge had already served 25 years in the Queensland education system.
His statements when joining the school community was that his main aim at Petrie is to encourage parents and teachers to work together for the good of students. He is quoted as saying he was, “very impressed with the enthusiasm of parents who attended the first parents and citizens association meeting this year. Already three Committees have been set up. They are a Ways and Means Committee, Priorities Committee, Fundraising Committee”.
Source: Moreton Bay Regional Council Local History Library, Strathpine
1983: FIGHT TO IMPROVE SCHOOL
Read More About the Fight to Save the School.
“The first P & C meeting in February 1983 resulted in the formation of various committees – Fundraising, Ways and Means, Priorities, to identify the improvements necessary and whether they were the responsibility of Education or Works Departments, or a possible P & C subsidy project Teachers agreed that the encouragement and gaining of full Parent/Teacher cooperation would be a major goal for 1983. Politicians were exposed for their inaction and broken promises. It took lots of meetings, letters, deputations, visits by VIPs and persistence, before the wheels finally turned in our favour. We finally convinced them that the Petrie community would not accept third-rate facilities. The late Russ Hinze said during a visit in 1983 that his horses were stable better than Petrie students. Another candidate suggested “retain the historical bits and bulldoze the rest’. Even the Ombudsman was enlisted to help the P & C.
Looking back, I know our persistence and belief in the justice of our claims meant that we never lost sight of our vision and resolve to ensure the redevelopment of the School. Gradually, the concerted efforts forced the government to allocate money for the redevelopment of the school.”
– Peter J Boge, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.
1983: P&C POLITICALLY ACTIVATE
A telegram is sent to Premier and Treasurer of Queensland, Hon Joh Bjelke-Petersen at 1:30 pm from Kallangur Post Office. The Original Copy is marked “NO REPLY RECEIVED”.
28 October 1983
PLEASE ADVISE WHEN FUNDS WILL BE RELEASED FOR LONG PROMISED PETRIE REPLACEMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL STOP EXISTING NOISY CONDITIONS INSUFFICIENT LIGHTING INADEQUATE SHELTER INSUFFICIENT TOILETS ROCKY TERRAIN SIX TIN DEMOUNTABLES AND LIBRARY BUILT IN 1974 NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE FOR FIVE HUNDRED PUPILS STOP OUR EFFORTS TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS THIS YEAR HAVE FAILED STOP WE NEED YOUR HELP PLEASE
SECRETARY PARENTS AND CITIZENS ASSOCIATION
Senders Name: Roslyn Burrell (Whiteside)
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, p54.
1983: P&C RAISE FUNDS TO PURCHASE SCHOOL’S FIRST PHOTOCOPIER
P & C Executive: Keith Heaton (President); Roslyn Burrell (Secretary); John Donohoe (Treasurer); Dian Dale and Brian Andrews (Vice-Presidents).
P & C purchased the school’s first photocopier for $3100, with help from Petrie and Kallangur Lions and the spellathon ($2336.16).
P & C deputation to Hon Lin Powell, Minister for Education, 5 May 1983.
Deputation to Hon Claude Wharton, Minister for Works.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999.
1985: THE PCA AS IT WAS THEN KNOWN
PARENTS AND CITIZENS’ ASSOCIATION
The PCA at this school meets on the third Tuesday of the month. You are cordially invited to attend all meeting of the Association so that you may become acquainted with the workings of this school. Opportunity is given to all members to put forward ideas which could improve the grounds, the teaching equipment within the school, or to generally become more aware of, and contribute to, the operations of the school. The PCA is recognised as representing the views of the parents. The Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 19 February at 7:30 pm.
Source: 1985 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1985: P&C RAISE FUNDS AT COUNTRY CARNIVAL FETE
Country Carnival set for 19 May raised $3676.68, P & C President, Brian Andrews.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999.
1986: THE FIRST AFTER SCHOOL HOURS CARE PROGRAM INITIATED BY P&C
P & C President John Dale initiated After School Hours Care in Activities Building.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999.
1989: RUBLINGS AND MEETINGS
COMMUNICATION
The ‘Petrie Log’ advising Parents and Citizens of School news, activities, forthcoming events and items of general interest, will be issued fortnightly on Thursdays. These are numbered so that Parents can check the circulars do in fact reach their destination. The newsletter of the Parents & Citizens’ Association ‘The Petrie Rumblings’ will be issued on the alternate Thursdays.
Source: 1989 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
PARENTS AND CITIZENS ASSOCIATION
The PCA at this school meets on the third Tuesday of the month. You are cordially invited to attend all meetings of the Association so that you may become acquainted with the working of this school. Opportunity is given to all members to put forward ideas which could improve the grounds, the teaching equipment within the school, or to generally become more aware of, and contribute to, the operations of the school. The PCA is recognised as representing the view of the parents.
The Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 21 February at 7:30 pm.
The PCA relies on the school community to support its many events and fundraising ideas, e.g. Fete, Cent Auction, Tuckshop, Raffles, etc. Through a proper system of priorities and budgeting, the many needs of the school are quickly being met.
Source: 1989 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1989: P&C PREPARE FOR BIKE HELMET SAFETY
P & C President Judy Smith.
Talk of Bicycle helmets, with the P&C buying a kit for orders.
– Peter J Boge, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.
1992: COMPUTERS FUNDED!
September 1992
“P&C passed $17400 for computers at September 1992 meeting.”
– David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.
1994: COMMUNICATION, TECHNOLOGY FUNDING AND THE PCA
COMMUNICATION
The ‘Petrie Log’ advising Parents and Citizens of School news, activities, forthcoming events and items of general interest, will be issued fortnightly on Thursdays. These are numbered so that parents can check the circulars do in fact reach their destination. The newsletter of the Parents & Citizens’ Association ‘The Petrie Rumblings’ will be issued on the alternate Thursdays. Thursday is generally the day communications are sent home.
Feel free to make contact with the school at any time.
Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
LIBRARY
Technology resources have also been set up in the Yr 5, 6 and 7 classrooms, thanks to the P & C Association.
Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
PARENTS AND CITIZEN’S ASSOCATION
The PCA at this school meets on the third Tuesday of the month. You are cordially invited to attend all meetings of the Association so that you may become acquainted with the working of the school.
The PCA relies on the school community to support its many events and fundraising ideas, e.g. Fete, Cent Auction, Tuckshop, Raffles, etc. Through a proper system of priorities and budgeting, the many needs of the school are quickly being met. More and more parents are taking the opportunity to become involved in curriculum discussion topics.
Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: PARTNERSHIPS FOR QUALITY EDUCATION
COMMUNICATION
The ‘Petrie Log’ advising Parents and Citizens of School news, activities, forthcoming events and items of general interest, will be issued fortnightly on Thursdays. These are numbered so that parents can check the circulars do in fact reach their destination. The newsletter of the Parents & Citizens’ Association ‘The Petrie Rumblings’ will be issued on the alternate Thursdays. Thursday is generally the day communications are sent home.
Feel free to make contact with the school at any time.
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
PARENTS AND CITIZEN’S ASSOCATION
The PCA at this school meets on the third Tuesday of the month in the Teachers’ Staff Room. As parents and interested citizens you are invited to become involved in the workings of the school through attending P & C meetings, making yourselves available for volunteer work (in the classroom, in the Parents’ Auxiliary, in the Tuckshop and in the grounds) and by attending workshops organised to assist parents to gain appropriate skills.
The School and P & C are working together to ensure that priorities are identified and met with joint budgeting. Parents from the P & C are being involved in school based management to help deliver quality education for all students.
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1999: BRIAN ANDREWS REFLECTS ON HIS INVOLVEMENT WITH THE P&C
“The school year started and along came the Annual General Meeting for the P & C so I dutifully attended and found out how easy it is for a newcomer to become involved!!! I went home as the assistant to the Fete Convenor. Needless to say, about three weeks later I was the Fete Convenor.
This was just eh start of many positions in my association with our school, ranging from President of the P & C through many fetes, carnivals and Adult Education courses, budget committees and various “where for” and “why for” committees.
This all took up so much time as anyone involved knows and this was only possible with the backing of my silent partner at home – my wife, Claudette. Whilst I was on the scene Claudette was at home taking and making all the phone calls and course bookings. When we ran the Adult Education Courses, Claudette even found herself doing a lengthy radio interview on the ABC promoting our navigation course. She sounded so convincing whilst all the time strongly disliking the water, boating and fishing!!
… Our P & C went through severe lows in the early years of my association (many times we had to call on Mrs Howell who lived next door to make up a quorum) but we managed to turn it all around to become a most active and united committee, who enjoyed many friendly social evenings and family car rallies, which helped to keep us all pulling in the same direction. Great committees – great friends.”
– Brian Andrews, 1999 – Past Petrie Parent; Member, Parents & Citizens Association; and former Janitor/Grounds-person, 1986 – Dec 1999.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, p60.
1999: SCHOOL BANKING OFFICER POSITION AVAILABLE
1999 – 28 OCTOBER – PETRIE RUMBLINGS 16/99
POSITIONS VACANT
Due to the recent resignation of our Banking Officer, Mrs Sue Lax, the P&C are seeking a representative to take her place. The position requires someone with basic computer skills and approximately 2 hours to spare per week. If you please contact the office and leave your name and contact phone number. The P&C would sincerely like to thank Sue Lax for her time and dedication.
2001: RUMBLINGS STILL THE ALTERNATIVE
NEWSLETTERS
The ‘Petrie Log’ advising parents of school news, activities, forthcoming events and items of general interest, will be issued fortnightly on Thursdays. These are numbered so that parents can check that the circulars do in fact reach their destination. The newsletter of the Parents & Citizens Association, ‘The Petrie Rumblings’, will be issued on the alternate Thursdays. Thursday is generally the day communications are sent home. Feel free to make contact with the school at any time.
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2012: P&C PROVIDE BREAKFAST FOR NAPLAN-ERS
“Last week students in Years 3, 5 & 7 undertook the NAPLAN tests along with all other students in these year levels across Australia. I would like to congratulate our students for the way they participated, and acknowledge the efforts of our dedicated teachers to prepare students for NAPLAN. Thank you also to the P&C and parent volunteers who kindly provided and served fruit and Milo for these students on the mornings of the tests.”
– Linley Greenland, Deputy Principal, 2014
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 08/12, 24 May 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
2012: P&C – A WORKING BEE
Thank you to the small group of hardy volunteers who braved the rainy weather to lay turf in the surrounds of the new adventure playground. The area now looks much better and with a second working required in the near future to complete the job, the area will not only look fantastic, it will be much safer for the students who use this part of the school. The P&C Association does a great job to support our school to improve facilities and increase resources for our students. The funds required for this project are in addition to the annual $10 000 contribution made by the P&C. Please stay tuned for the date of the next working bee. I hope to see you there.
Caption: Chris Lupton, P&C President laying the first bits of turf and the first stage is complete.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 09/12, 7 June 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
P&C WORKING BEE
Thank you to the P&C Executive as well as mums and dads for your assistance with stage two of the turf laying project. I am sure you will agree that the area looks fantastic. With a nice mixture of rain and sunshine over the holidays, the area will be ready for student use.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 10/12, 21 June 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
2012: P&C CONTRIBUTIONS OVER $10 000
Our P&C, ably led by Mr Chris Lupton has contributed over $10 000 to the school this year.
These significant funds have purchased data projectors and computers, reading resources, sporting equipment and turf for the Year 1 play area. The P&C is the main fundraising body within the school community and its work benefits all students in the school. I encourage you to join the P&C next year and support fundraising events, working bees and the Tuckshop to ensure we share the load.
Image Caption: Books donated by the P&C
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 21/12, 10 December 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
2013: P&C PROVIDE BREAKFAST FOR NAPLAN-ERS
This week students in Years 3, 5 and 7 will participate in NAPLAN tests. These tests will be conducted on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Classroom teachers have worked hard to prepare students and provide plenty of practice opportunities. Attendance on test days is important. Parents can help by ensuring students are well rested and have had a good breakfast on test days.
The P&C will be providing fruit and milo for students involved each morning before the tests. Thank you to these wonderful volunteers. Parents of Year 3, 5 and 7 students should have received an information brochure about NAPLAN last week. If you did not receive this brochure, it can be accessed at http://www.nap.edu.au/_Documents/PDF/NAPLAN_2013_Parents_Brochure.pdf [LINK INACTIVE]
– Linley Greenland, Deputy Principal
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 07/13, 15 May 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
2013: P&C PREPARE FOR FUN DAY
It was a great last Saturday morning when we had a group of parents, students and staff gathered here at school to clean up and prepare for our family fun day on 24 October. Together with Adrian (our Janitor/Groundsman), we all worked hard to make the area adjacent to the Prep buildings ready for the big afternoon. Much mowing, slashing, clearing and laughing occurred. Thanks so much to our P&C under the leadership of Steve Gault and his great Executive for organising the morning. As Principal, I very much appreciate the enthusiasm and dedication of our parents and carers and it once again brings together people to help support our great school community – all for our students.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 16/13, 16 October 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014